Free Farm Closes, As Free Stand Attendance Increases

Mid-day on any given Sunday small groups start to assemble at Parque Ninos Unidos on 23rd Street and Treat. The young with piercings and reusable bags talk on the grass as the old with paper sacks or plastic containers sit on a park ledge. The 30-somethings, slim and dressed with the eclectic panache of the hip, appear to have money but they too clutch empty canvas totes.

Soon all of the bags will be filled with the cornucopia of vegetables laid out on the white, canopy-protected tables a few feet away: red chard, mixed greens, daikon radishes, arugula, peppers — sweet and hot. Another table has seedlings, handed out to encourage urban gardening.

Yes, most come for the Free Farm Stand’s complimentary, often organic, food but those who frequent the market also mention the ritual of community. “This is my heart, my church and my trip to my groceria… All wrapped up in one,” said Loren Bondurant, a 27-year-old Mission administrative assistant and artist, who has used the stand for years and helps out when needed.